Official MLBlog of the Kansas City Royals front office.

Trey Hillman media session: May 12

In today’s pregame meeting with manager Trey Hillman, the first topic of discussion concerned the roster move in the bullpen. Hillman announced that Blake Wood (RHP) will replace Josh Rupe (RHP) who was designated for assignment. The Royals skipper added that Rupe has been too ineffective against right-handed hitters and needs to work ahead more. Rupe can elect free agency if he chooses, but Hillman said he hopes Rupe doesn’t take that route. Hillman sees Wood, who will wear #38 and be here for tonight’s game, as a two-inning pitcher who will be used as needed.

With this roster move came questions regarding future changes in general. According to Hillman, it’s time to mix things up a little bit, which is why Scott Podsednik will bat leadoff tonight and David DeJesus will be in the three-hole. Hillman claimed that DeJesus is the purest number three hitter on the roster and one of the best hitters he has ever managed. Though the outfielder doesn’t have the numbers the manager would like to see right now, Hillman still believes DeJesus is a .300 hitter and hopes that putting him in the three-hole will help him reach that mark.

While tonight’s lineup tweaks will not be the final adjustment made, Hillman does hope the rate of change slows down as the team makes progress. In the meantime, however, he also hopes that fans see he isn’t afraid to make changes and try new things. Because just like the fans, Hillman is as frustrated as he’s ever been, and at the end of the day, all he wants is for the Kansas City Royals to be a contending club.

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